CLEARFIELD – For the seventh year, the Central Pennsylvania Community Action (CPCA) will transform its prom closet into a one-room “boutique-style” shop, inviting high school girls inside for some special treatment.
“The high school years can be rough for teen girls who come from (low-income) families. But it shouldn’t hinder their high school experiences,” said Gail Webster, prom closet coordinator.
“They should experience and enjoy the prom every bit as much as the next girl who may have spent $100 or $200 on their dress. No one knows their dress is free unless they tell.”
According to Webster, prom dresses are collected by the CPCA year-around. However, their annual “dress drive” usually kicks off in mid to late March, she said.
She said any donated dress should be “lightly worn” and without stains. As usual, there’s an expected demand for the smaller dress sizes, such as two through five, as well as the plus sizes.
“There always seems to be a need, and when we get them in, they go quickly,” Webster said. She said anyone who wishes to donate prom wear may do so at the CPCA office at 207 East Cherry St., Clearfield.
Webster said the CPCA sets up a dress “boutique” and invites one or two girls at a time. Each high school girl is permitted to bring a guest to browse the gown collection and may only select one despite the number of proms they plan to attend.
“It’s very important (to closely mimic) the experience. It’s a very emotional time for a lot of teen girls. Some may be embarrassed that they’re unable to purchase a prom gown. That’s why we only schedule one or two at a time, and we want to reach as many as we can,” she said.
She will soon be contacting each high school that the CPCA serves for prom dates. Typically, the prom closet opens six weeks prior to the first prom and closes approximately one week after the last.
“We try to allow enough time for the girls to get dress alternations and also for those who are asked to their prom last minute,” Webster said.
For additional information or to donate, please contact the Clearfield office at 814-765-1551.